Using a double helix conductor to treat neuropathic disorders

ABSTRACT

An electrical system controlled, driven by and/or based on one or both of naturally occurring electrophysiological signals in a patient&#39;s body and/or digital audio files is used to produce electromagnetic fields to treat a neuropathic disorder of a patient.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to electrical devices and/or systems configured totreat patients having neuropathic disorders by using electromagneticfields, and, in particular, devices and systems in which a generatedelectromagnetic field treats diabetic neuropathy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known that spirally wound electrical conductors exhibit certainelectromagnetic properties and/or can be used to generate particularelectromagnetic fields. For example, it is known that an electromagneticcoil may act as an inductor and/or part of a transformer, and has manyestablished useful applications in electrical circuits. Applications ofan electromagnetic coil may exploit the electromagnetic field that iscreated when, e.g., an active current source is operatively coupled tothe electromagnetic coil.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the invention relates to a system for providing therapy totreat one or more neuropathic disorders of a subject and/or promotinghealth effects in a subject. The system may include one or more of afield generator, one or more physical processors, one or more currentsources, one or more sensors, a transducer, and/or other components.

The field generator may be configured to generate electromagneticfields. In some embodiments, a field generator may include one or moreof a support structure including two or more helically intertwinedrunners around which one or more conductive wires are wound, one or moresources of (alternating) current, and/or other components. The one ormore conductive wires may include electrical leads, e.g. two electricalleads per conductive wire. The field generator may be configured togenerate an electromagnetic field in response to one or more electriccurrents being induced across the electrical leads.

A conductive wire may be wound spirally around a first runner and/or asecond runner. In some embodiments, a conductive wire may be woundspirally around each runner, e.g. in embodiments that include a firstwire and a second wire. In some embodiments, multiple conductive wiresmay be wound spirally around individual runners. The leads of one ormore conductive wires may be configured to be electrically coupled withone or more current sources to receive one or more currents through theconductive wires such that an electromagnetic field is created at ornear the centroid that provides therapy to the subject.

As used herein, a “wire” may include a set of twisted wires (which mayinterchangeably be referred to as a “twisted wire”), including but notlimited to a set of two twisted wires. The number of turns of a set oftwisted wires per inch and/or per helical revolution of a runner may becharacteristic measurements/features of the system. In some embodiments,the number of twists per inch of a twisted wire may be about 2, about 5,about 10, about 20, about 100, and/or another suitable number of twists.In some embodiments, the frequency characteristics of an alternatingcurrent and/or the corresponding generated electromagnetic field may bebased on, proportional to, and/or otherwise related to the number oftwists of a twisted wire. For example, a higher number of twists perinch may correspond to a higher operating frequency for the alternatingcurrent and/or the corresponding generated electromagnetic field. Insome embodiments, multiple twisted wires (e.g. a first twisted wirewound around a first runner and a second twisted wire wound around asecond runner) may have the same direction of twisting, and/or adifferent direction of twisting.

The one or more current sources may be configured to induce one or morecurrents across the electrical leads of one or more conductive wires,including but not limited to the electrical leads of the fieldgenerator. In some embodiments, the one or more currents may include analternating current.

In some embodiments, the system may include one or more sensors that maybe configured to generate output signals conveying electrophysiologicalinformation. The one or more sensors may be configured to generateoutput signals pertaining to measurements of electrophysiologicalinformation of the subject. By way of non-limiting example,electrophysiological information may include information related to oneor more organs of the subject, including but not limited to heart,brain, kidney, liver, pancreas, and/or other organs of the subject. Asused herein, the term “body parts” includes any organs of the subject,any cells of the subject, as well as any other parts of the body of thesubject.

In some embodiments, the system may include one or more processorsconfigured to execute computer program components. The one or moreprocessors may include one or more physical processors. The computerprogram components may include one or more of an input component, aprocessing component, a playback component, and/or other computerprogram components.

The input component may be configured to obtain information, e.g. fromone or more digital audio files, or, alternatively and/orsimultaneously, based on sensor-generate output signals. The processingcomponent may be configured to process the obtained information from theinput component. In some embodiments, the processing component may beconfigured to generate a processed signal based on the obtainedinformation form the input component. The playback component may beconfigured to produce sound signals based on one or more of the obtainedinformation from the input component and/or the processed signal fromthe processing component. The sound signals produced by the playbackcomponent may be coupled electrically to the leads of the one or moreconductive wires such that the induced current corresponds to and/or isbased on the sound signals. Alternatively, and/or simultaneously, theinduced current may be controlled by and/or based on the sound signalsproduced by the playback component.

In some embodiments, one or more frequencies of the induced(alternating) current may correspond to one or more frequencies ofeither the sensor-generated output signals and/or the sound signalsproduced by the playback component.

In some embodiments, one or more induced currents may correspond to oneor more sensor-generated output signals. In some embodiments, the systemmay include a transducer. The transducer may be configured to convertacoustic signals to electrical signals and/or vice versa. In someembodiments, the one or more induced currents may correspond to one ormore signals generated by the transducer.

In some embodiments, the support structure may include two or moreintertwined helically wound runners arranged in at least two completerevolutions per runner, referred to as a first runner and a secondrunner, and so on. The support structure may be arranged in a toroidalshape having a centroid. The centroid may be arranged at or near one orboth of a subject and/or a body part of the subject, e.g. duringtreatment. As used herein, the terms therapy and treatment may be usedinterchangeably. One or more conductive wires may be wound spirallyaround the first runner, the second runner, and/or other runners. Insome embodiments, conductive wires may be wound spirally aroundindividual runners, e.g. in embodiments that include a first conductivewire and a second conductive wire. The leads of one or more conductivewires may be configured to be electrically coupled with one or morecurrent sources to receive one or more currents through the conductivewires such that an electromagnetic field is created at or near thecentroid that provides therapy to the subject.

In some embodiments, a conductive wire may be spirally wound around arunner to form a bifilar coil around the runner. In some embodiments,another conductive wire may be spirally wound around another runner toform another bifilar coil around the other runner. In some embodiments,the two leads of a first conductive wire (also referred to as firstwire) are configured to be electrically coupled to a first currentsource to receive a first current. In some embodiments, the two leads ofa second conductive wire (also referred to as second wire) may beconfigured to be electrically coupled to the same current source, or toa different current source, to receive a second current. The firstcurrent and/or second current may generate an electromagnetic field.

In some embodiments, the system may include one or more resistiveelements. The one or more resistive elements may be coupled electricallyto one or both of the first wire and/or the second wire such that anominal impedance of the first wire, the second wire, and the one ormore resistive elements has a predetermined value that substantiallymatches an impedance of one or more current sources.

One aspect of the invention relates to a method for providing therapy totreat one or more neuropathic disorders of a subject and/or forpromoting health effects in a subject. The method may include arranginga support structure at or near one or both of the subject and/or a bodypart of the subject, inducing one or more currents that generate anelectromagnetic field at or near one or both of the subject and/or thebody part of the subject, obtaining (digital) information (e.g. from adigital audio file), processing the obtained information, generating aprocessed signal based on the obtained information, and producing soundsignals based on the processed signal. The induced alternating currentsmay be controlled by and/or based on the produced sound signals. Thesupport structure may include any of the features, functionality, and/orcomponents as attributed to any support structures described elsewherewithin this disclosure. The induced current may correspond to and/or bebased on electronic streams and/or files, and/or on sensor-generatedoutput signals and/or information derived from sensor-generated outputsignals.

These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the presentdisclosure, as well as the methods of operation and functions of therelated components of structure and the combination of parts andeconomies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon considerationof the following description and the appended claims with reference tothe accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of thisspecification, wherein like reference numerals designate correspondingparts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however,that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and descriptiononly and are not intended as a definition of the any limits. As used inthe specification and in the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and“the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a system for providing therapy to treata neuropathic disorder of a subject, according to one or moreembodiments.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a system for providing therapy to treata neuropathic disorder of a subject, according to one or moreembodiments.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate methods for providing therapy to treat aneuropathic disorder of a subject, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a system for providing therapy to treat a neuropathicdisorder of a subject, according to one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 10 for providing therapy to treat aneuropathic disorder of a subject 106 and/or for promoting healtheffects in subject 106, according to one or more embodiments. Thetherapy and/or health effects may include, but are not limited to, oneor more of pain relief, relief of discomfort, reduction of inflammation,improved range of motion, tissue repair, bone growth/repair,regenerative effects, improved circulation, improved micro-circulation,accelerated healing, and/or other types of therapy and/or health effectson living organisms. The therapy and/or health effects may be used forvarious medical conditions, including but not limited to diabeticneuropathy, and/or other neuropathic disorders. The therapy and/orhealth effects may be used in conjunction with various medicaltreatments, techniques, and/or technologies.

System 10 may operate on organs, tendons, ligaments, bones, and/or otherparts of a body. System 10 may include one or more of a field generator15, one or more sensors 142 (e.g. a sensor 142 a and/or a sensor 142 b),one or more current sources (e.g. a current source 11 and/or a currentsource 12), an amplifier 20, and/or other components. Referring to FIG.2, in some embodiments, system 10 may further include one or more of atransducer 143, one or more processors 110, a user interface 120,electronic storage 130, an input component 111, a playback component112, a processing component 113, and/or other components. Featuresdepicted in the figures and described in this disclosure may be combinedin some embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, field generator 15 may includeone or more of a support structure 85, a first wire 86, and/or othercomponents. The depiction of the size of subject 106 relative to thesize of support structure 85 is not meant to be limiting.

Support structure 85 of system 10 in FIG. 1 as depicted includes twointertwined helically wound runners—runner 88 and runner 89—sharing thesame (circular) axis, coupled by struts 90 and having one or moreconductive wires spirally wound around one or both runners. In otherwords, runner 88 and runner 89 of support structure 85 form cores aroundwhich wire 86 and wire 87 are spirally wound, respectively. As depictedin FIG. 1, support structure 85 includes two wires: wire 86 and wire 87.In some embodiments, system 10 may include one runner, three runners,and/or another number of runners. Other support structures thatsubstantially allow wires to be wound in a similar way as wire 86 andwire 87 (e.g. such that the wires form intertwined helical shapes andindividual wires include a first and second helical shape that arenested hierarchically as depicted in FIG. 1) are considered within thescope of this disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, system 10may include a support structure that does not include nor require strutsthat are similar to struts 90.

Runner 88 and runner 89 of support structure 85 and system 10 in FIG. 1are arranged in the shape of a three-dimensional curve similar to orsubstantially the same as a helix, bend, twisted, and/or shaped with itsends arranged together. It is noted that the shape of support structure85 resembles the general shape of DNA. The shape of the cross-section ofa runner may include one or more of a circle, an oval, a square, atriangle, a rectangle, an angular shape, a polygon, and/or other shapes.The width and height of the cross-section of a runner may be limited forpractical purposes. For example, for the purposes described herein, insome embodiments, it may be preferred to arrange support structure 85such that there is available space within the periphery of supportstructure 85, as shown, e.g., in FIG. 1. As depicted in FIG. 1, theshape of the cross-section of runner 88 and runner 89 may be a circle.Note that embodiments of this disclosure are not intended to be limitedby any of the given examples.

Runner 88, runner 89 and/or struts 90 of system 10 in FIG. 1 may bemanufactured from one or more of plastic, plastic plated with metalsincluding copper, nickel, iron, soft iron, nickel alloys, and/or othermetals and alloys, and/or other materials. In some embodiments, runner88, runner 89 and struts 90 are manufactured from non-conductivematerial. Runner 88, runner 89, and struts 90 may be manufactured fromdifferent materials. Runner 88, runner 89, and struts 90 may bemanufactured through integral construction or formed separately prior tobeing assembled. The preceding statement is not intended to limit the(process of) manufacture of bodies similar to or substantially the sameas support structure 85 in any way.

Referring to FIG. 1, wire 86 and wire 87, as any wire listed in anyfigure included in this description, may be insulated, uninsulated, orpartially insulated and partially uninsulated.

The shape of support structure 85 of system 10 in FIG. 1 may begenerally toroidal. In some embodiments, support structure 85 may bearranged in any planar shape, including circular, polygonal, and/orother shapes. Alternatively, and/or simultaneously, a support structuresuch as support structure 85 may be arranged in a three-dimensionalcurve (a.k.a. space curve). Runner 88 and runner 89 of support structure85 may form bodies and/or cores around which wire 86 and wire 87 arespirally wound, respectively. As such, wire 86 and wire 87 may bearranged in a helical shape having axes that coincide with runner 88 andrunner 89, respectively. As shown in FIG. 1, wire 86 and 87 may be woundsuch that they go around any of struts 90 of support structure 85 and/oraround any points of engagement between one of struts 90 and one ofrunners 88 and 89. The number of wire turns per complete revolution of arunner and/or the number of wire turns between adjacent struts may becharacteristic measurements/features of support structure 85. In FIG. 1,wire 86 and wire 87 are arranged to make approximately three to fiveturns between adjacent struts associated with runner 88 and runner 89,respectively, and/or some other number of turns. The depiction of FIG. 1is intended to be exemplary, and in no way limiting.

Wire 86 may include two leads—lead 86 a and lead 86 b. Wire 87 mayinclude two leads—lead 87 a and lead 87 b. In system 10, supportstructure 85 is electrically coupled with one or more power sourcesand/or current sources, such as, e.g., current source 11 and/or currentsource 12, arranged such that electrical coupling with one or both ofwire 86 and wire 87 may be established, e.g. through coupling of currentsource 11 with lead 86 a and 86 b of wire 86 and through coupling ofcurrent source 12 with lead 87 a and 87 b of wire 87. The currentsupplied to wire 86 may be a direct current or an alternating current.The current supplied to wire 87 may be a direct current or analternating current. The currents supplied to wire 86 and wire 87 mayflow in the same direction or the opposite direction. In someembodiments, the leads of wire 86 and wire 87 may be electricallycoupled with the same current source.

For alternating currents, operating frequencies ranging from 0 Hz to 100GHz are contemplated. Operating currents ranging from 1 pA to 10 A arecontemplated. Operating voltages ranging from 1 mV to 20 kV arecontemplated. In some embodiments, a root mean square voltage of lessthan about 1.6 V is supplied to wire 86 and/or wire 87. In someembodiments, a root mean square voltage of greater than about 0.25 V issupplied to wire 86 and/or wire 87. In a preferred embodiment, thefrequency of the alternating current supplied to wire 86 and/or wire 87is between 0 Hz and 20 kHz, and/or in the audible range. In someembodiments, the current is less than about 1 pA, 1 nA, 1 mA, 100 mA,250 mA, 500 mA, and/or other amounts of current. The operatingfrequencies for wire 86 and wire 87 may be the same or different. Otherelectrical operating characteristics of current supplied to wire 86 andwire 87, such as phase, may be the same or different. System 10 may beused to exploit the electromagnetic field that is created in and/oraround support structure 85 when electrical power is supplied to one ormore wires of support structure 85. The electromagnetic field providestherapy to subject 106 and/or promotes health effects in a subject.

For the purposes of this description, the electromagnetic field may bean electromagnetic field of at least a predetermined threshold level oftesla. The predetermined threshold may be 1 pT, 1 nT, 1 mT, 10 mT, 100mT, and/or another threshold. In some embodiments, the electromagneticfield may have a strength ranging between about 0.1 milligauss and about100 milligauss, between about 1 milligauss and about 500 milligauss,and/or other ranges. The strength of the electromagnetic field may bemeasured at a predetermined distance from field generator 15 and/orsupport structure 85. The predetermined distance for such measurementsmay be about 1 inch, about 1 foot, about 3 feet, about 6 feet, and/oranother distance.

Some embodiments of an electrical system including a support structuresimilar to or substantially the same as support structure 85 in FIG. 1,thus including wire 86 and wire 87, may be configured to have a currentin wire 86 flowing in the opposite direction as the current flowing inwire 87. In some embodiments the current supplied to one wire may be adirect current, whereas the current supplied to another wire may be analternating current. By way of non-limiting example, additionalstructures for a support structure and/or electrical systems using asupport structure (which may be referred to as a “body”) may bedescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/457,347, filed Apr. 26,2012, and titled “System Configuration Using A Double Helix Conductor,”as well as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/213,604, entitled “DoubleHelix Conductor,” and filed Aug. 19, 2011, which are hereby incorporatedinto this disclosure by reference in its entirety. These patentapplications may also be referred to as “the '347 application” and “the'604 application” herein. By way of non-limiting example, additionalhealth applications, as well as structures for a support structureand/or electrical systems using a support structure (referred to as“body”) may be described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/458,716,filed Apr. 27, 2012, and titled “Health Applications of a Double HelixConductor,” as well as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/194,412,entitled “HEALTH APPLICATIONS FOR USING BIO-FEEDBACK TO CONTROL ANELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD,” and filed Feb. 28, 2014, which are herebyincorporated into this disclosure by reference in its entirety. Thesepatent applications may also be referred to as “the '716 application”and “the '412 application” herein.

Some embodiments of an electrical system including a support structuresimilar to or substantially the same as support structure 85 may beconfigured to include one or more conductive wires that are wound toform a bifilar coil around one or more runners. In some embodiments, thewindings may be one or more of caduceus windings, Ayrton-Perry winding,trifilar windings, windings of braided wires, and/or other types ofwindings. By way of non-limiting example, additional windings may bedescribed in the '347 application and additional details of a supportstructure (referred to as “body”) may be described in the '604application.

In some embodiments, system 10 may include multiple support structuressimilar to or substantially the same as support structure 85. Currentsfor these multiple support structures may be supplied by one or morepower sources and/or current sources.

In some embodiments, support structure 85 may be configured such thatthe dimensions of the available space within the periphery of supportstructure 85 and/or the passage formed through the centroid of the shapeof support structure 85 are predetermined dimensions. In someembodiments, a predetermined dimension may include a diameter of about 1inch, about 1 foot, about 2 feet, about 4 feet, about 6 feet, and/oranother suitable dimension. Suitable dimensions may depend on averagesizes of human fingers, wrists, elbows, arms, ankles, knees, legs,shoulders, (lower) backs, torsos, bodies, and/or other body parts, asmay be used as an area to receive treatment and/or therapy. By way ofnon-limiting example, additional information regarding (full-body)applications of electrical system similar to the systems describedherein may be described in the '716 application.

In some embodiments, lead 86 a and 86 b of wire 86 and lead 87 a and 87b of wire 87 are electrically coupled in the same circuit. This circuitmay include, for example, one or more resistive components, such asresistors, that are arranged such that the circuit has a nominalimpedance of a predetermined value, such as, e.g., 4 ohms, 8 ohms, 16ohms, 32 ohms, 100 ohms, 600 ohms, and/or another predetermined value.In some embodiments, the predetermined value may be chosen to match theimpedance of standard consumer electronics components and/or systems,including for example audio consumer electronics. These examples are notintended to be limiting in any way. By way of non-limiting example,additional information regarding resistive elements and/or impedancematching may be described in the '347 application.

Referring to FIG. 1, the one or more sensors 142 are configured togenerate output signals conveying electrophysiological informationand/or measurements related to one or more organs and/or body parts ofsubject 106. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors 142 may benon-invasive. For example, the one or more sensors 142 may be configuredto not penetrate the skin of subject 106, but rather to be placedagainst or near the skin of subject 106. The one or more sensors 142 mayinclude, as depicted in FIG. 1, a (first) sensor 142 a and a (second)sensor 142 b. The placement, type, and number of sensors 142 is notintended to be limited by the depictions in any figures. In someembodiments, system 10 may include 1 sensor, 3 sensors, and/or anothernumber of sensors. As depicted in FIG. 1, sensor 142 a may be positionedat or near the heart of subject 106 (e.g. on the skin of the chest ofsubject 106). As depicted in FIG. 1, sensor 142 b may be positionedand/or located at or near the brain of subject 106 (e.g. on or near thehead or skull of subject 106).

In some embodiments, the one or more sensors 142 may include an audiosensor, a microphone, a stethoscope, an electronic stethoscope, apressure sensor, a motion sensor, a proximity sensor, an electromagneticsensor, an electrode, a temperature sensor, a current sensor, an opticalsensor, an electro-optical sensor, a heart monitor, an electrointerstitial scanning (EIS) sensor and/or device, a bioelectricalimpedance sensor and/or device, a BioPulsar©, and/or other sensors,devices, and/or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the one ormore sensors 142 may be configured to measure electrical and/orelectrophysiological signals at or near subject 106, and/or emitted bysubject 106. The one or more sensors 142 may be configured to conveysounds, currents, voltages, electromagnetic fields caused and/or emittednaturally by subject 106. Measured signals may pertain to respiratorycharacteristics and/or parameters of subject 106, cardiac/coronarycharacteristics and/or parameters of subject 106, hemodynamiccharacteristics and/or parameters of subject 106, neural characteristicsand/or parameters of subject 106, brain-related characteristics and/orparameters of subject 106, and/or other characteristics and/orparameters. In some embodiments, measured signals may pertain and/orcorrespond to electroencephalography (EEG) measurements,magneto-encephalography (MEG) measurements, electrocardiography (EKG orECG) measurements, heart rate variability (HRV) measurements, acousticcardiograph (ACG) measurements, and/or other measurements, in particularmeasurements of bioelectrical signals generated by the human body. Asused herein, correspondence of a generated output signal to, forexample, an EEG signal refers to a generated output signal that includessimilar information as a sensor-generated signal used for a standard EEGmeasurement. In some embodiments, measurements may be related to heartfunction, for example pertaining to the P wave, the PR interval, the PRsegment, the QRS complex, the ST segment, the T wave, the ST interval,the QT interval, the U wave, the J wave, one or more heart valves,and/or other functions/periods/amplitudes that may be measured usingEKG, derivatives thereof, and/or combinations thereof. Alternatively,and/or simultaneously, measurements related to heart functions maypertain to levels, functions, periods, and/or amplitudes that may bemeasured by techniques other than EKG.

In some embodiments, the one or more sensors 142 may be configured togenerate output signals in an ongoing manner, e.g. throughout the day orduring a treatment session. This may include generating signalsintermittently, periodically (e.g. at a sampling rate), continuously,continually, at varying intervals, and/or in other ways that are ongoingduring at least a portion of period of a day, week, month, treatment, orother duration. The sampling rate may be about 0.001 second, 0.01second, 0.1 second, 1 second, about 10 seconds, about 1 minute, and/orother sampling rates. It is noted that multiple individual sensors mayoperate using different sampling rates, as appropriate for theparticular output signals and/or (frequencies related to particular)parameters derived therefrom. For example, in some embodiments, thegenerated output signals may be considered as a vector of outputsignals, such that a vector includes multiple samples of informationconveyed related to one or more types of electrophysiologicalinformation of subject 106. Different parameters may be related todifferent vectors. A particular parameter determined in an ongoingmanner from a vector of output signals may be considered as a vector ofthat particular parameter.

Referring to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, system 10 may includeamplifier 20. Amplifier 20 may be configured to amplify signals.Amplifier 20 may include an input and an output, such that amplifier 20amplifies the signal presented on the input and provides the amplifiedsignal to the output. The input signals for amplifier 20 may beelectrically coupled to and/or based on sensor-generated output signalsfrom the one or more sensors 142. In some embodiments, the input signalsfor amplifier 20 may include an acoustic signal. The output signals ofamplifier 20 may be electrically coupled to and/or form the basis of thesignals driving field generator 85. In some embodiments, output signalsfrom amplifier 20 may be directly electrically coupled to the electricalleads of wire 86 and/or wire 87 without use of current source 11 orcurrent source 12. In some embodiments, output signals from amplifier 20may be used to control the operation of current source 11 and/or currentsource 12, which in turn may induce one or more electrical currentsthrough wire 86 and/or wire 87. In some embodiments, the one or moreinduced alternating currents may be dynamically controlled such that oneor more frequencies of one or more alternating currents correspond toone or more frequencies of the sensor-generated output signals, e.g. ina feedback manner.

By way of illustration, FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a system 10 afor providing therapy to a subject and/or promoting health effects in asubject. System 10 a may include similar or the same features as system10 in FIG. 1. For example, support structure 85 of system 10 a in FIG. 2may be similar to or the same as support structure 85 of system 10 inFIG. 1, and so forth.

System 10 a may include, in addition to any of the components, features,and functionality described in relation to system 10 (FIG. 1), one ormore of processor(s) 110, user interface 120, electronic storage 130,transducer 143, one or more computer program components, and/or othercomponents.

Transducer 143 may include one or more of a microphone, a stethoscope(analog and/or digital), and/or other devices and/or components.Transducer 143 may be configured to convert acoustic signals to one ormore electrical signals.

Processor 110 of system 10 a in FIG. 2 is configured to provideinformation processing capabilities in system 10 a. As such, processor110 includes one or more of a digital processor, an analog processor, adigital circuit designed to process information, a central processingunit, a graphics processing unit, an analog circuit designed to processinformation, and/or other mechanisms for electronically processinginformation. Although processor 110 is shown in FIG. 2 as a singleentity, this is for illustrative purposes only. In some embodiments,processor 110 may include a plurality of processing units.

As is shown in FIG. 2, processor 110 is configured to execute one ormore computer program components. The one or more computer programcomponents may include one or more of input component 111, playbackcomponent 112, processing component 113, and/or other components.Processor 110 may be configured to execute components 111-113 bysoftware; hardware; firmware; some combination of software, hardware,and/or firmware; and/or other mechanisms for configuring processingcapabilities on processor 110.

It should be appreciated that although components 111-113 areillustrated in FIG. 2 as being co-located within a single processingunit, in embodiments in which processor 110 includes multiple processingunits, one or more of components 111-113 may be located remotely fromthe other components. The description of the functionality provided bythe different components 111-113 described herein is for illustrativepurposes, and is not intended to be limiting, as any of components111-113 may provide more or less functionality than is described. Forexample, one or more of components 111-113 may be eliminated, and someor all of its functionality may be incorporated, shared, integratedinto, and/or otherwise provided by other ones of components 111-113.Note that processor 110 may be configured to execute one or moreadditional components that may perform some or all of the functionalityattributed below to one of components 111-113.

Referring to FIG. 2, input component 111 may be configured to obtaininformation. In some embodiments, the information may be obtained basedon sensor-generated output signals from one or more sensors 142 (shownin FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the information may be obtained basedon an electrical signal from transducer 143. In some embodiments, theinformation may be obtained through a microphone or otheracoustic-to-electric transducer and/or sensor. For example, inputcomponent 111 may be configured to obtain an electrical signal thatrepresents the sound of the heartbeat of subject 106, and/or one or moresounds related to the mitral valve, the tricuspid valve, the aorticvalve, and/or the pulmonary valve of subject 106.

In some embodiments, the information may be obtained from storage, e.g.from electronic storage. In some embodiments, the information may beobtained from a stream of information, e.g. streaming via the internetor via radio. Information obtained from storage or through streaming mayinclude (digital) audio files in any format, including but not limitedto MP3, WMA, WAV, AIFF, and/or other audio formats. Audio formats may beuncompressed, have lossless compression, and/or lossy compression. Insome embodiments, the audio file may be pre-programmed, e.g. to includea sine wave or square wave between about 20 Hz and about 20 kHz, e.g. at100 Hz.

In some embodiments, information may be obtained from traditional soundsources including phonographs, CD-players, DVD players, AM radio, FMradio, and/or other sound sources. Electronic storage may be local tosystem 10 a and/or be accessible from a remote location through anetwork connection, such as e.g. the internet. In some embodiments,information obtained by input component 111 may be a combination of oneor more of sensor-generated output signals (from one or more sensors142), one or more electrical signals (from transducer 143), and/orinformation obtained from storage.

In some embodiments, information may be obtained from a combination of asensor-generated or sensor-based signal and information obtained fromstorage or through streaming.

Referring to FIG. 2, processing component 113 may be configured toprocess the obtained information from input component 111. Processingcomponent 113 may be configured to generate a processed signal based onthe obtained information. For example, processing component 113 mayconvert, filter, modify, and/or otherwise transform information orsignals from input component 111 to generate the processed signal. Insome embodiments, the obtained signal may be a coronary or cardiacsignal having a first range of frequencies. Processing component 113 maybe configured to transform the first range of frequencies into a secondrange of frequencies, using signal processing techniques, such that thesecond range of frequencies may be suitable for acoustic reproduction ofthe processed signal. In some embodiments, the obtained signal mayrepresent heart and/or brain activity, and have a first range offrequencies. Through filtering, conversion, transformation, and/or othersignal processing techniques, the processed signal may have a secondrange of frequencies. The second range may be (designed to be) suitablefor acoustic reproduction, e.g. by playback component 112.

Playback component 112 may be configured to produce sound signals basedon the processing signal from processing component 113. Alternatively,and/or simultaneously, playback component 112 may be configured toproduce sound signals based on the obtained information from inputcomponent 111. For example, playback component 112 may be configured toproduce sound signals based on the obtained electrical signal thatrepresents the sound of the heartbeat of subject 106. The produced soundsignals, though possibly processed through processing component 113, mayrepresent the sound of the heartbeat of subject 106. Other naturallyoccurring sounds, electromagnetic signals, and/or electrophysiologicalinformation produced or emitted by subject 106 are considered within thescope of this disclosure.

The sound signals produced by playback component 112 may be analogand/or digital signals. The sound signals produced by playback component112 may be electric, optical, and/or using other media. The soundsignals produced by playback component 112 may be accessible through oneor more signal connectors, including but not limiting to line outconnectors, tip-ring-sleeve (TRS) connectors, tip-ring-ring-sleeve(TRRS) connectors, TOSLINK connectors, S/PDIF connectors, FireWire™connectors, HDMI connectors, DVI connectors, USB connectors, and/orother connectors capable of transferring an audio signal. The soundsignals produced by playback component 112 may be electrically coupledto the leads of the one or more conductive wires of support structure 85(depicted in FIG. 2) such that current through the one or moreconductive wires of support structure 85 corresponds to the producedsound signals. For example, the induced currents may be dynamicallycontrolled to correspond to the sound signals produced by playbackcomponent 112, to correspond to the processed signal generated byprocessing component 113, to correspond to information obtained by inputcomponent 111, and/or to correspond to output signals generated by oneor more sensors 142 and/or transducer 143.

In some embodiments, the sound signals produced by playback component112 may be amplified by amplifier 20 before being electrically coupledto the leads of the one or more conductive wires of support structure85. In some preferred embodiments, amplifier 20 may be an audioamplifier ranging between 100 W and 400 W. Other types of amplifiersand/or amplifiers having a different power range are also contemplated.

In some embodiments, the sound signals produced by playback component112 may be used to control one or more current sources, e.g. currentsource 11 and/or current source 12, which in turn induce alternatingcurrents in field generator 15 as described elsewhere.

In some embodiments, system 10 may be configured such that thecross-section of the toroidal shape of field generator 15 is betweenabout 3 inches and about 8 inches, and such that the diameter of thepassage formed through support structure 85 is between about 1 foot andabout 4 foot. In some embodiments, field generator 15 may be suspendedbetween about 1 foot and about 3 foot from (e.g. above) subject 106and/or, in particular, from the body part of subject 106 that is to betreated. For example, to treat lower back pain, field generator 15 maybe suspended about 1 foot above the painful area. By way of example, andnot limitation, a treatment may include multiple periods during whichamplifier 20 is set to different percentages of output power. Forexample, during the first period of 5 minutes, amplifier 20 may be setto 25% of available power, during the second period of 5 minutes,amplifier 20 may be set to 50% of available power, during the thirdperiod of 5 minutes, amplifier 20 may be set to 75% of available power,and during the fourth period of between 5 and 15 minutes, amplifier 20may be set to 100% of available power.

By way of illustration, FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of system 10for providing therapy to treat a neuropathic disorder of subject 106.FIG. 5 depicts field generator 15 including support structure 85 and twohelically wound runners, runner 88 and runner 89. As depicted, runners88 and 89 are spirally wound with twisted wires (not depicted) that areconnected, via audio cables 51, to amplifier 20. Support structure 85 issuspended from a crane 50 using straps 52. A subject would lie downand/or be positioned 1 to 3 feet below field generator 15, for exampleon a massage table. Specifically, in some embodiments, field generator15 may be positioned to be directly above a particular part of thepatient's body, e.g. the C7 vertebrae of the patient. In embodimentsusing a transducer to generate (audio) signals to dynamically controlthe induced electromagnetic field of field generator 15, e.g. usingfeedback, the transducer may be placed of a particular area or body partof the subject, e.g. the aortic valve.

Electronic storage 130 of system 10 a in FIG. 2 comprises electronicstorage media that electronically stores information. The electronicstorage media of electronic storage 130 may include one or both ofsystem storage that is provided integrally (i.e., substantiallynon-removable) with system 10 a and/or removable storage that isconnectable to system 10 a via, for example, a port (e.g., a USB port, aFirewire port, etc.) or a drive (e.g., a disk drive, etc.). Electronicstorage 130 may include one or more of optically readable storage media(e.g., optical disks, etc.), magnetically readable storage media (e.g.,magnetic tape, magnetic hard drive, floppy drive, etc.), electricalcharge-based storage media (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, RAM, etc.), solid-statestorage media (e.g., flash drive, etc.), and/or other electronicallyreadable storage media. Electronic storage 130 may store softwarealgorithms, information determined by processor 110, informationreceived via user interface 120, and/or other information that enablessystem 10 a to function properly. For example, electronic storage 130may store sound information and/or electronic audio files (as discussedelsewhere herein), and/or other information. Electronic storage 130 maybe a separate component within system 10 a, or electronic storage 130may be provided integrally with one or more other components of system10 a (e.g., processor 110).

User interface 120 of system 10 a in FIG. 2 is configured to provide aninterface between system 10 a and a user (e.g., user 108, subject 106, acaregiver, a therapy decision-maker, etc.) through which the user canprovide information to and receive information from system 10 a. Thisenables data, results, and/or instructions and any other communicableitems, collectively referred to as “information,” to be communicatedbetween the user and system 10 a. An example of information that may beconveyed to user 108 is an indication of the volume and/or intensity ofthe sound signals produced by playback component 112. Examples ofinterface devices suitable for inclusion in user interface 120 include akeypad, buttons, switches, a keyboard, knobs, levers, a display screen,a touch screen, speakers, a microphone, an indicator light, an audiblealarm, and a printer. Information may be provided to user 108 or subject106 by user interface 120 in the form of auditory signals, visualsignals, tactile signals, and/or other sensory signals.

It is to be understood that other communication techniques, eitherhard-wired or wireless, are also contemplated herein as user interface120. For example, in one embodiment, user interface 120 may beintegrated with a removable storage interface provided by electronicstorage 130. In this example, information is loaded into system 10 afrom removable storage (e.g., a smart card, a flash drive, a removabledisk, etc.) that enables the user(s) to customize system 10 a. Otherexemplary input devices and techniques adapted for use with system 10 aas user interface 120 include, but are not limited to, an RS-232 port,RF link, an IR link, modem (telephone, cable, Ethernet, internet orother). In short, any technique for communicating information withsystem 10 a is contemplated as user interface 120.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate methods 300-400 for providing therapy to treata neuropathic disorder by using electromagnetic fields. The operationsof methods 300-400 presented below are intended to be illustrative. Incertain embodiments, methods 300-400 may be accomplished with one ormore additional operations not described, and/or without one or more ofthe operations discussed. Additionally, the order in which theoperations of methods 300-400 are illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 anddescribed below is not intended to be limiting.

In certain embodiments, methods 300-400 may be implemented in one ormore processing devices (e.g., a digital processor, an analog processor,a digital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuitdesigned to process information, and/or other mechanisms forelectronically processing information). The one or more processingdevices may include one or more devices executing some or all of theoperations of methods 300-400 in response to instructions storedelectronically on an electronic storage medium. The one or moreprocessing devices may include one or more devices configured throughhardware, firmware, and/or software to be specifically designed forexecution of one or more of the operations of methods 300-400.

Regarding method 300 and FIG. 3, at an operation 302, a supportstructure is arranged at or near the subject. The support structureincludes a first runner and a second runner. The first runner and secondrunner are helically intertwined. The support structure is arranged in atoroidal shape having a centroid. A first wire is wound around the firstrunner and a second wire is wound around the second runner. The firstwire and second wire are conductive. In some embodiments, operation 302is performed by a support structure the same as or similar to supportstructure 85 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).

At an operation 304, alternating currents are induced through the firstwire and the second wire such that the alternating currents create anelectromagnetic field at or near the centroid. The electromagnetic fieldprovides treatment to the subject for a neuropathic disorder. In someembodiments, operation 304 is performed by a current source the same asor similar to current source 11 and/or current source 12 (shown in FIG.1 and described herein).

At an operation 306, information is obtained by a physical processor.The information may be obtained from one or more digital audio files, ormay be based on electrophysiological information of a subject, e.g.through a measurement. The obtained information may be static and/ordynamic. In some embodiments, operation 306 is performed by a processorthe same as or similar to processor 110 (shown in FIG. 2 and describedherein).

At an operation 308, the obtained information is processed and aprocessed signal is generated based on the obtained information. In someembodiments, operation 308 is performed by an input component and/or aprocessing component the same as or similar to input component 111and/or processing component 113 (shown in FIG. 2 and described herein).

At an operation 310, sound signals are produced based on the processedsignal. The induced alternating currents may be controlled by and/orbased on the produced sound signals. In some embodiments, operation 310is performed by a playback component the same as or similar to playbackcomponent 112 (shown in FIG. 2 and described herein).

Regarding method 400 and FIG. 4, at an operation 402, a supportstructure is arranged at or near the subject. The support structureincludes a first runner and a second runner. The first runner and secondrunner are helically intertwined. The support structure is arranged in atoroidal shape having a centroid. A first wire is wound around the firstrunner and a second wire is wound around the second runner. The firstwire and second wire are conductive. In some embodiments, operation 402is performed by a support structure the same as or similar to supportstructure 85 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).

At an operation 404, sound signals are obtained and amplified. In someembodiments, operation 404 is performed by an amplifier the same as orsimilar to amplifier 20 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).

At an operation 406, alternating currents are induced through the firstwire and the second wire such that the alternating currents create anelectromagnetic field at or near the centroid. The electromagnetic fieldprovides treatment to the subject for a neuropathic disorder. Theinduced alternating currents are based on the amplified sound signals.In some embodiments, operation 406 is performed by a current source thesame as or similar to current source 11 and/or current source 12 (shownin FIG. 1 and described herein).

Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose ofillustration based on what is currently considered to be the mostpractical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that suchdetail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limitedto the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to covermodifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit andscope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood thatthe present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one ormore features of any embodiment can be combined with one or morefeatures of any other embodiment. For example, in some embodiments,system 10 may include amplifier 20 (shown in FIG. 1), as well as one ormore computer program components 111-113 (shown in FIG. 2).

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for providing therapy to a subject totreat a neuropathic disorder by using electromagnetic fields, the systemcomprising: a support structure including a first runner and a secondrunner, wherein the first runner and second runner are helicallyintertwined, wherein the support structure is arranged in a toroidalshape having a centroid, wherein the centroid is configured to bearranged near the subject; a first wire wound around the first runner ofthe support structure and a second wire wound around the second runnerof the support structure, wherein the first wire and the second wire areconductive; a current source configured to induce alternating currentsthrough the first wire and the second wire such that the alternatingcurrents create an electromagnetic field at or near the centroid,wherein the electromagnetic field provides treatment to the subject fora neuropathic disorder; one or more physical processors configured to:obtain information; process the obtained information and generate aprocessed signal based on the obtained information, and produce soundsignals based on the processed signal, wherein the induced alternatingcurrents are based on the produced sound signals.
 2. The system of claim1, wherein the first wire is a twisted wire, and wherein the second wireis a twisted wire.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the obtainedinformation includes one or more digital audio files.
 4. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising: one or more sensors configured to generateoutput signals conveying electrophysiological information related to oneor more body parts of the subject, wherein the obtained informationincludes the generated output signals, and wherein the inducedalternating currents are dynamically controlled to correspond to thegenerated output signals such that one or more frequencies of thealternating currents correspond to one or more frequencies of thegenerated output signals.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the producedsound signals include frequencies that range predominantly between 20 Hzand 20 kHz.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first runner isarranged in a first helical shape, wherein the second runner is arrangedin a second helical shape.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the firstwire is arranged in a third helical shape formed around the firsthelical shape of the first runner, and wherein the second wire isarranged in a fourth helical shape formed around the second helicalshape of the second runner.
 8. The system of claim 1, further comprisingan amplifier configured to amplify the sound signals, wherein the systemis configured such that the induced alternating currents are based onthe amplified sound signals.
 9. The system of claim 4, wherein the oneor more body parts include heart and/or brain.
 10. The system of claim4, wherein the one or more body parts include liver, pancreas, and/orkidney.
 11. The system of claim 4, wherein the generated output signalscorrespond to one or more of electroencephalography (EEG) signals,electrocardiography (EKG) signals, magneto-encephalography (MEG)signals, and/or acoustic cardiograph (ACG) signals.
 12. A system forproviding therapy to a subject to treat a neuropathic disorder by usingelectromagnetic fields, the system comprising: a support structureincluding a first runner and a second runner, wherein the first runnerand second runner are helically intertwined, wherein the supportstructure is arranged in a toroidal shape having a centroid, wherein thecentroid is configured to be arranged near the subject; a first wirewound around the first runner of the support structure and a second wirewound around the second runner of the support structure, wherein thefirst wire and the second wire are conductive; a current sourceconfigured to induce alternating currents through the first wire and thesecond wire such that the alternating currents create an electromagneticfield at or near the centroid, wherein the electromagnetic fieldprovides treatment to the subject for a neuropathic disorder; and anamplifier configured to obtain and amplify sound signals, wherein thesystem is configured such that the induced alternating currents arebased on the amplified sound signals.
 13. The system of claim 12,wherein the first wire is a twisted wire, and wherein the second wire isa twisted wire.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein the obtained soundsignals include one or more digital audio files.
 15. The system of claim12, further comprising: one or more sensors configured to generateoutput signals conveying electrophysiological information related to oneor more body parts of the subject, wherein the obtained sound signalsare based on the generated output signals, and wherein the inducedalternating currents are dynamically controlled to correspond to thegenerated output signals such that one or more frequencies of thealternating currents correspond to one or more frequencies of thegenerated output signals.
 16. The system of claim 12, wherein the soundsignals include frequencies that range predominantly between 20 Hz and20 kHz.
 17. The system of claim 12, wherein the first runner is arrangedin a first helical shape, wherein the second runner is arranged in asecond helical shape.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the first wireis arranged in a third helical shape formed around the first helicalshape of the first runner, and wherein the second wire is arranged in afourth helical shape formed around the second helical shape of thesecond runner.
 19. The system of claim 15, wherein the one or more bodyparts include one or both of heart and/or brain.
 20. The system of claim15, wherein the one or more body parts include one or more of liver,pancreas, and/or kidney.
 21. The system of claim 15, wherein thegenerated output signals correspond to one or more ofelectroencephalography (EEG) signals, electrocardiography (EKG) signals,magneto-encephalography (MEG) signals, and/or acoustic cardiograph (ACG)signals.
 22. A method for providing therapy to a subject to treat aneuropathic disorder by using electromagnetic fields, the methodcomprising: arranging a support structure at or near the subject,wherein the support structure includes a first runner and a secondrunner, wherein the first runner and second runner are helicallyintertwined, wherein the support structure is arranged in a toroidalshape having a centroid, wherein a first wire is wound around the firstrunner and a second wire is wound around the second runner, wherein thefirst wire and second wire are conductive; inducing alternating currentsthrough the first wire and the second wire such that the alternatingcurrents create an electromagnetic field at or near the centroid,wherein the electromagnetic field provides treatment to the subject fora neuropathic disorder; obtaining, by a physical processor, information;processing the obtained information and generating a processed signalbased on the obtained information; and producing sound signals based onthe processed signal, wherein the induced alternating currents are basedon the produced sound signals.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein theobtained information includes one or more digital audio files.
 24. Themethod of claim 22, further comprising: generating output signalsconveying electrophysiological information related to one or more bodyparts of the subject, wherein the obtained information includes thegenerated output signals, and wherein inducing the alternating currentsincludes dynamically controlling the alternating currents to correspondto the generated output signals such that one or more frequencies of thealternating currents correspond to one or more frequencies of thegenerated output signals.
 25. The method of claim 22, wherein theproduced sound signals include frequencies that range predominantlybetween 20 Hz and 20 kHz.
 26. The method of claim 22, wherein the firstrunner is arranged in a first helical shape, wherein the second runneris arranged in a second helical shape.
 27. The method of claim 26,wherein the first wire is arranged in a third helical shape formedaround the first helical shape of the first runner, and wherein thesecond wire is arranged in a fourth helical shape formed around thesecond helical shape of the second runner.
 28. The method of claim 22,further comprising: amplifying the sound signals, wherein the inducedalternating currents are based on the amplified sound signals.
 29. Themethod of claim 24, wherein the one or more body parts include heartand/or brain.
 30. The method of claim 24, wherein the one or more bodyparts include liver, pancreas, and/or kidney.
 31. The method of claim24, wherein the generated output signals correspond to one or more ofelectroencephalography (EEG) signals, electrocardiography (EKG) signals,magneto-encephalography (MEG) signals, and/or acoustic cardiograph (ACG)signals.
 32. A method for providing therapy to a subject to treat aneuropathic disorder by using electromagnetic fields, the methodcomprising: arranging a support structure at or near the subject,wherein the support structure includes a first runner and a secondrunner, wherein the first runner and second runner are helicallyintertwined, wherein the support structure is arranged in a toroidalshape having a centroid, wherein a first wire is wound around the firstrunner and a second wire is wound around the second runner, wherein thefirst wire and second wire are conductive; obtaining and amplifyingsound signals; and inducing alternating currents through the first wireand the second wire such that the alternating currents create anelectromagnetic field at or near the centroid, wherein theelectromagnetic field provides treatment to the subject for aneuropathic disorder, and wherein the induced alternating currents arebased on the amplified sound signals.
 33. The method of claim 32,wherein the obtained sound signals are included in one or more digitalaudio files.
 34. The method of claim 32, further comprising: generatingoutput signals conveying electrophysiological information related to oneor more body parts of the subject, wherein the obtained sound signalsinclude the generated output signals, and wherein inducing thealternating currents includes dynamically controlling the alternatingcurrents to correspond to the generated output signals such that one ormore frequencies of the alternating currents correspond to one or morefrequencies of the generated output signals.
 35. The method of claim 32,wherein the sound signals include frequencies that range predominantlybetween 20 Hz and 20 kHz.
 36. The method of claim 32, wherein the firstrunner is arranged in a first helical shape, wherein the second runneris arranged in a second helical shape.
 37. The method of claim 36,wherein the first wire is arranged in a third helical shape formedaround the first helical shape of the first runner, and wherein thesecond wire is arranged in a fourth helical shape formed around thesecond helical shape of the second runner.
 38. The method of claim 34,wherein the one or more body parts include heart and/or brain.
 39. Themethod of claim 34, wherein the one or more body parts include liver,pancreas, and/or kidney.
 40. The method of claim 34, wherein thegenerated output signals correspond to one or more ofelectroencephalography (EEG) signals, electrocardiography (EKG) signals,magneto-encephalography (MEG) signals, and/or acoustic cardiograph (ACG)signals.